Kerala to Host Conclave of 5 Opposition-Led States to Ensure Fiscal Federalism

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala will host a conclave of five opposition-ruled states to discuss measures to ensure their fiscal needs are addressed in the upcoming 16th Finance Commission

According to Kerala Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal, this conclave will be attended by Left-ruled Kerala, AAP-governed Punjab, Tamil Nadu (DMK) and the Congress-ruled Karnataka and Telangana.

This conclave will be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on September 12.

Apart from the Kerala Finance Minister Balagopal, it will eb attended by Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu. Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V. D. Satheesan will also take part in the conclave, Balagopal said.

“The main objective of the conference is to conceptualise the developmental and financial issues being faced by the states and present them before the 16th Finance Commission”

Balagopal said.